Mother and Child, Sanfond 1992

Editor: Eric Breitenbach’s black and white photograph, "Mother and Child, Sanfond," captures a tender moment. I’m curious about the setting. What do you see in this piece beyond the immediate connection between mother and child? Curator: The image, beyond its surface, resonates with themes of resilience and everyday life within marginalized communities. Consider the backdrop—the fence, the suggestion of a public space. How does this setting inform your understanding of motherhood and care within specific socio-economic contexts? Editor: So, the location isn't just a background, it's part of the story? Curator: Exactly! It prompts us to consider the challenges and triumphs of raising children in spaces that may not always be nurturing or supportive. The mother's gaze—her strength, her pride—challenges stereotypical portrayals. What does her expression convey to you? Editor: I see determination, a quiet strength. It definitely shifts the focus from vulnerability to empowerment. Curator: Precisely. The photograph becomes a testament to the power of maternal love as a force for resistance and hope. Editor: I hadn't considered it that way. It's more than just a mother and child portrait; it's a statement. Curator: Indeed. It is a celebration of Black motherhood, a quiet rebellion against erasure and invisibility.